User interface system

ABSTRACT

The user interface system of one embodiment of the invention includes a sheet that defines a surface on one side and at least partially defines a first cavity and a second cavity on an opposite side; a fluid network coupled to the first and second cavities; a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and expands both the first and second cavities concurrently, thereby deforming a first and a second particular region of the surface; and a touch sensor coupled to the sheet and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the first and second particular regions of the surface. The user interface system of another embodiment of the invention includes a displacement device coupled to the fluid network that displaces fluid within the fluid network and selectively expands one of the first and second cavities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/319,334 filed on 5 Jan. 2009 and entitled “User Interface System”, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.

This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/223,001 filed 3 Jul. 2009, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/226,286, filed 17 Jul. 2009, which are incorporated in their entirety by this reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top view of the user interface system of a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the operation of a button array in accordance to the preferred embodiments.

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c are cross-sectional views of the retracted, extended, and user actuated modes of the preferred embodiments, respectively.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are cross-sectional views of the layer, the substrate, the cavity, the touch sensor, the display, a processor, and a displacement device that modifies the volume of fluid in the cavity, with the cavity in a retracted volume setting and an expanded volume setting, respectively.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c are schematic views of the sheet, the cavity, and a displacement device of a first example, second, and third variation, respectively.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are schematic views of the retracted and extended modes of the cavities of the first preferred embodiment, respectively.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are schematic views of geometric variations of the first preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, and 8 d are schematic views of the different expansion modes of the cavities of the second preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c are schematic views of the different expansion modes of the cavities of a variation of the second preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are schematic representations of a first variation of the valve of the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 10 c is a schematic representation of a second variation of the valve of the preferred embodiments.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, 12 a and 12 b, and 13 a and 13 b are schematic representations of the OPEN and CLOSED states of a first, second, and third example of the valve of the preferred embodiments, respectively.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the expansion of the cavities of the third preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b are schematic representations of two examples of groups of cavities.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of channels arranged at different height levels within the sheet of the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of groups of cavities with shared cavities.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an arrangement of a cavity belonging to more than one group of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 19 a, 19 b, 19 c, and 19 d are schematic representations of the different expansion modes of the cavities of the fourth preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 20 a and 20 b are cross-sectional views of a support member between the layer and the substrate, with the cavity in a retracted volume setting and an expanded volume setting, respectively.

FIG. 20 c is a top view of the support member.

FIG. 20 d is a cross-sectional view of an alternative support member that partially defines the cavity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the user interface system 100 of the preferred embodiment includes: a sheet 111 that defines a surface 115 on one side and at least partially defines a plurality of cavities 125 on an opposite side, a fluid network 200 coupled to the plurality of cavities 125, a displacement device 130 that is coupled to the fluid network 200 and displaces fluid within the fluid network 200 and expands at least one the plurality of cavities 125 to deform a particular region 113 of the surface 115. The user interface system 100 preferably also includes a sensor 140 that senses a user input at the particular region 113. The touch sensor 140 preferably functions to detect the presence of a user input proximate to the particular region 113 of the surface 115. The touch sensor 140 preferably detects the presence of a user touch by detecting a force that inwardly deforms the deformed particular region 113 or any other portion of the surface 115, but may alternatively detect the presence of a user touch by detecting the presence of the finger at a location proximate to the particular region 113. The touch sensor 140 may be a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a pressure sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor. The user interface system 100 may also include a display (that may or may not be integrated with the touch sensor 140) coupled to the sheet in and adapted to output images to the user. As shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the preferred embodiments may also include a processor 300 that controls the expansion of the cavities 125.

The user interface system 100 of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be used as the user interface for an electronic device, more preferably in an electronic device that benefits from an adaptive user interface. The electronic device, which may or may not include a display, may be incorporated into an automotive console, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television, a radio, a desk phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal navigation device, a personal media player, a camera, a watch, a remote, a mouse, a trackpad, or a keyboard. The user interface system 100 may, however, be used as the user interface for any suitable device that interfaces with a user in a tactile and/or visual manner. The user interface system 100 is preferably used on a planar surface, but may also be used on a non-planar surface, for example, around the rounded grip of a steering wheel or around the edge rim of a cellular phone. The surface 115 of the user interface system 100 preferably remains flat until a tactile guidance is to be provided at or in substantial proximity to the location of the particular region 113. The surface 115 of the user interface system 100 may also be deformed when a user input is required. At that time, the displacement device 130 expands the cavity 125 to expand a particular region 113 outward, forming a deformation that may be felt by a user, and providing tactile guidance for the user. The expanded particular region 113 preferably also provides tactile feedback to the user when they apply force onto the particular region 113 to provide input. However, any other arrangement of the user interface system 100 suitable to providing tactile guidance and/or detecting user input may be used.

The sheet 111 of the preferred embodiment functions to define a surface 115 on one side and at least partially defines a plurality of cavities 125 on an opposite side. The sheet 111 preferably includes a layer no that defines the surface 115 and a substrate 120 that supports the layer 110 and at least partially defines the plurality of cavities 125. The sheet 111 is preferably similar to the sheet and layer taught in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/319,334, but may alternatively be any suitable device that a sheet 111 that defines a surface 115 on one side and at least partially defines a plurality of cavities 125 on an opposite side.

As shown in FIGS. 20 a and 20 b , the substrate 120 may include a lattice-like support member 160 under the particular region of the surface 115. When the cavity 125 is expanded and the deformation is present in the surface 115, the support member 160 functions to prevent a user from “pressing too far” into the deformation below the plane of the surface 115. When the cavity 125 is not expanded and the deformation is not present in the surface 115, the support member 160 functions to reduce (or potentially eliminate) the user from feeling “divots” in the surface 115 when swiping a finger across the surface 115. As shown in FIG. 20 c, the support member 160 preferably includes holes or channels that allow for the expansion of the cavity 125 and the deformation of the surface 115. The support member 160 is preferably integrally formed with the substrate 120, but may alternatively be formed with the layer no or may be separately formed and later attached to the substrate 120. Finally, as shown in FIGURE god, the support member 160 may alternatively partially define the cavity 125. The substrate 120 is preferably rigid, but may alternatively be flexible in one or more directions. The substrate 120—if located above the display 150—is preferably optically transparent, but may—if located below the display 150 or if bundled without a display 150—be translucent or opaque. The substrate 120 is preferably made from a material including polymers or glass, for example, elastomers, silicon-based organic polymers such as poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS), thermoset plastics such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and photocurable solvent resistant elastomers such as perfluropolyethers. The substrate 120 may, however, be made of any suitable material that supports the layer 110 and at least partially defines the cavity 125. In the preferred version, the substrate 120 is a single homogenous layer approximately 1 mm to 0.1 mm thick and can be manufactured using well-known techniques for micro-fluid arrays to create one or more cavities and/or micro channels. In alternative versions, the substrate 120 may be constructed using multiple layers from the same material or from different suitable materials.

As shown in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c, the cavities 125 of the preferred embodiment each function to hold a fluid and to have at least two volumetric settings: a retracted volume setting (shown in FIG. 3 a) and an expanded volume setting (shown in FIG. 3 b). When in the expanded volume setting, the user may inwardly deform the particular region 113 to provide a user input (shown in FIG. 3 c). The fluid is preferably a liquid (such as water, glycerin, or ethylene glycol), but may alternatively be a gas (such as air, nitrogen, or argon) or any other substance (such as a gel or aerogel) that expands the cavity 125 and deforms the surface 115. In the expanded volume setting, the cavity 125 expands above the plane of the surface 115, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface 115. The deformation of the particular region 113 functions to provide tactile guidance and/or tactile feedback on the surface 115 for the user. The deformation of the particular region 113 also preferably functions to inform the user of the type of input the deformation represents. For example, the deformation of the particular region 113 may be of a shape that indicates the type of input that the deformation represents. Alternatively, the sheet 111 may include tactile instructions, for example, a pattern of beads or substantially small protrusions that may be felt by the user on the particular region 113 that indicate the type of input the deformation represents. The tactile instructions on the particular region 113 may alternatively be any other type of feature that is able to be felt tactilely by the user.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the plurality of cavities 125 and the displacement device 130 are preferably coupled to the fluid network 200, which functions to allow fluid to communicate through the user interface system 100 to expand and retract the plurality of cavities 125. The fluid network 200 preferably includes a channel 138 that preferably couples each of the plurality of cavities 125, either directly or indirectly (shown in FIG. 6), to the displacement device 130. The channel 138 may be composed of a plurality of segments (or “branches”) that couple to each of the plurality of cavities 125 and the displacement device 130. The fluid network 200 may also include a reservoir 132 that functions to contain a volume of the fluid.

Each of the plurality of cavities 125 preferably function substantially similarly and are expanded and retracted by fluid displaced by the displacement device 130. In some variations, the plurality of cavities 125 may be substantially similar to each other. In other variations, the plurality of cavities 125 may have differences in overall geometry, volume, expansion properties, and/or retraction properties. The plurality of cavities 125 preferably provide the user interface system 100 with the ability to adapt to a variety of user interface scenarios, for example, to user interface scenarios that require more than one possible input (e.g. “Yes” or “No”).

As shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the displacement device 130 of the preferred embodiment functions to expand the cavity 125, subsequently deforming the particular region 113 of the surface 115. The displacement device 130 preferably functions to both expand and retract the cavity 125. In other words, the displacement device 130 functions to increase the volume of fluid within the cavity 125 and decrease the volume of fluid (or “drain” fluid) in the cavity 125. The user interface system 100 may, however, use another device or method to decrease the volume of fluid. The displacement device 130 may be one of several variations. In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 5 a, the displacement device 130 includes a linear actuator that displaces fluid in between the displacement device 130 and a cavity 125. In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 5 b, the displacement device 130 includes a heating element (for example, a resistive heater composed of a material such as TaN or Nichrome) that functions to expand the volume of fluid contained within a cavity 125. In a third variation, as shown in FIG. 5 c, the displacement device 130 includes a micro-pump 134 (for example, pump #MDP2205 from ThinXXs Microtechnology AG of Zweibrucken, Germany or pump #mp5 from Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH of Dortmund, Germany) that pumps fluid from a reservoir 132 to a cavity 125. The micro-pump 134 preferably pumps fluid between the cavity 125 and the reservoir 132. In a variation of the fluid where the fluid is ambient air, the pump 134 may function to pump air from the surrounding environment into the cavity 125. The third variation may alternatively include two micro-pumps 134, a first to pump fluid into the cavity 125 from the reservoir 132 and a second to pump fluid from the cavity 125 into the reservoir 132. However, any other suitable type of displacement device 130 may be used.

Although the cause of the deformation of a particular region 113 of the surface 115 has been described as a modification of the volume of the fluid in the cavity 125, it is possible to describe the cause of the deformation as an increase in the pressure below the surface 115 relative to the pressure above the surface 115. When used with a mobile phone device, an increase of approximately 0.1-10.0 psi between the pressure below the sheet 110 relative to the pressure above the sheet 110, is preferably enough to deform a particular region 113 of the surface 115. When used with this or other applications, however, the modification of the pressure may be increased (or possibly decreased) by any suitable amount. For example, when the user interface system 100 is used in environments with different ambient pressures such as in an airplane where ambient pressure is lower than that closer to sea level, the displacement device 130 may be adjusted to provide less of a pressure change to achieve the same level of expansion of the cavity 125. Additionally, each of the plurality of cavities 125 may expand with a different pressure change; for example, a first cavity 125 a may expand with a change of 0.1 psi while a second cavity 125 b may expand with a change of 0.5 psi.

As mentioned above, the user interface system 100 preferably includes a plurality of cavities 125. The displacement device 130 preferably expands the plurality of cavities 125 in one of four preferred embodiments. In a first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the displacement device 130 preferably expands a first cavity 125 a and a second cavity 125 b concurrently. In a second preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8-9, the displacement device 130 preferably selectively expands at least one of a first cavity 125 a and a second cavity 125 b. The displacement device 130 may function to both expand one of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b at one time and expand both the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b at another time. In a third preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14-15, the displacement device 130 preferably selectively expands at least one of a first group of cavities 125 and a second group of cavities 125 at one time. Similar to the second preferred embodiment, the displacement device 130 of the third preferred embodiment may function to both expand one of the first and second groups of cavities 125 at one time and expand both the first and second groups of cavities 125 at one time. The third preferred embodiment may alternatively be described as a combination of the first and second preferred embodiments because each of the cavities 125 within a group of cavities selected for expansion are expanded at one time. In a fourth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19 a-19 d, the displacement device 130 preferably expands a first cavity 125 a and one of a second cavity 125 b and third cavity 125 c at one time. The arrangement of the second and third cavities is similar to the second preferred embodiment because the second and third cavities are selectively expanded by the displacement device, and the arrangement of the first cavity is similar to the first preferred embodiment because the first cavity is concurrently expanded with one of the second or third cavities, thus, the fourth preferred embodiment may also be described as a combination of the first and second preferred embodiments.

1. First Preferred Embodiment: Concurrent Expansion

In the first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, a first cavity 125 a and a second cavity 125 b are preferably expanded concurrently. A channel 138 of the fluid network 200 preferably couples the first cavity 125 a and the second cavity 125 b with each other and to the displacement device 130. The channel 138 of the first preferred embodiment is preferably straight, but may alternatively be of a circular shape, zigzag shape, spiral shape, or any other suitable shape to route between the displacement device 130 and the cavity 125. The fluid displaced by the displacement device preferably travels through the channel 138 to each of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b. The displacement device 130 may be oriented relative to the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b such that the fluid travels to the first cavity 125 a and then to the second cavity 125 b. In this orientation, the pressure within the fluid preferably builds up approximately uniformly between the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b until a pressure point where both the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b start expansion at approximately the same time and at the same rate. Because the fluid travels farther to reach the second cavity 125 b, the increased pressure necessary to travel to the second cavity 125 b and expand the second cavity 125 b may cause the second cavity 125 b to start expansion at a different time or rate than the first cavity 125 a. To compensate for this potential difference in pressure, the geometry of the channel 138 and/or the second cavity 125 b may be adjusted, as shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b. As shown in FIG. 7 a, the portion of the layer 110 that is deformed when the second cavity 125 b is expanded is thinner relative to the portion of the layer 110 that is deformed when the first cavity 125 a is expanded. This may decrease the pressure necessary to expand the second cavity 125 b and may allow the second cavity 125 b to expand at the same time and rate as the first cavity 125 a. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7 b, the size of the channel 138 leading to the second cavity 125 may be increased in size (in diameter and/or cross sectional area) to decrease the pressure necessary for fluid to travel through the channel 138. Alternatively, a second displacement device 130 may be arranged on the opposite side of the cavities 125 a and 125 b relative to the first displacement device, decreasing the maximum distance between a cavity 125 to any one displacement device 130. The second displacement device 130 may function to displace fluid into the cavities 125, but may also function to provide a backwards pressure to assist the first displacement device 130 in displacing fluid through the fluid network. In other words, the first displacement device 130 may push fluid through the channel 138 in a direction and the second displacement device 130 may pull fluid through the channel 138 in the same direction. However, the first and second displacement devices 130 may cooperate to expand the plurality of cavities 125 in any other suitable method. However, any other geometry or method of allowing both the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b to start expansion substantially at the same time and at the same rate may be used. The first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b may also be allowed to start expansion at different times.

Alternatively, the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b may each be connected directly to the displacement device 130 and not each other. For example, a first channel 138 may couple only the first cavity 125 a to the displacement device 130 and a second channel 138 may couple only the second cavity 125 b to the displacement device 130. The first channel 138 and the second channel 138 are preferably of similar geometry and the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b are preferably of similar distance away from the displacement device 130. In this orientation, the differences in pressure between expansion of the first cavity 125 a and the second cavity 125 b may be decreased.

The geometry of the channel 138 and the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b may alternatively be used to prevent the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b from having substantially identical expansion properties. For example, the pressure necessary to expand the second cavity 125 b may be increased to cause the second cavity 125 b to expand at a time and a rate different from the first cavity 125 a. This method may also be used to decrease the apparent response time of the user interface system 100. The time necessary for the displacement device 130 to provide the necessary pressure to expand both first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b together may be less than the time necessary for the displacement device 130 to provide the necessary pressure to expand just the first cavity 125 a, and thus, if the first cavity 125 a is expanded and then the second cavity 125 b is expanded, the response time of the user interface system may seem to decrease to the user, potentially providing a better user experience.

The user interface of the first preferred embodiment preferably includes processor that controls the displacement device 130. The processor preferably actuates the displacement device 130 to displace a volume of fluid that expands the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b to a desired amount. The displacement device 130 may displace fluid at a constant rate, allowing the processor to control the volume of fluid that is displaced into the cavities 125 by the length of time the displacement device 130 is actuated. Alternatively, a flow sensor may be coupled to the channel 138 to detect the volume of fluid that has passed through the channel 138. A pressure sensor may also be used to detect the pressure of fluid within a cavity 125. The processor preferably also actuates the displacement device 130 to displace a volume of fluid at a rate that expands the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b at a desired rate. Alternatively or additionally, a temperature sensor may be used to detect the temperature of the fluid, which may affect the volume, viscosity, or any other suitable characteristic of the fluid. However, the processor may control any other aspect of the displacement device 130.

2. Second Preferred Embodiment: Selective Expansion

In the second preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 d, the first cavity 125 a and second cavity 125 b are selectively expanded. The displacement device 130 of the second preferred embodiment preferably expands the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b in two modes: a first mode where only one of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b is expanded, and a second mode where both of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b are expanded. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 9 a-9 c, the displacement device 130 may expand only one of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b at any one time. The displacement device 130 for this variation of the second preferred embodiment may be of the linear actuator type that displaces a volume of fluid between the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, a channel 138 preferably couples the first cavity 125 a and the second cavity 125 b to the displacement device 130. The channel 138 preferably forms a T-junction (or Y-junction) between the displacement device 130 and the two cavities 125 a and 125 b, such that a fluid displaced by the displacement device 130 may travel down one or both of two paths to one or both of the cavities 125 a and 125 b, respectively, but may alternatively be in any other suitable orientation. The first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b are preferably not directly connected to each other through a channel 138, but only indirectly connected to each other through their connection to the same displacement device. The fluid network 200 of the second preferred embodiment preferably also includes a valve 139 that functions to direct the fluid that is displaced by the displacement device 130 into either or both of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b.

The valve 139 is preferably of type suitable for a microfluidic system. As mentioned above, the channel 138 preferably forms a T-junction. The valve 139 is preferably placed at the T-junction such that the valve 139 may direct fluid displaced by the displacement device 130 into one or both of the cavities 125 a and 125 b. As shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, the valve 139 may be a directional valve that directs fluid to a first path (towards the first cavity 125 a) at a first orientation and to a second path (towards the second cavity 125 b) at a second orientation. The valve 139 of this variation may include a valve flap that is actuated by a memory material such as Nickel Titanium (NiTi) that may direct the valve flap into one of two or more directions to direct flow. However, any other suitable directional valve may be used. Alternatively, the valve 139 may be of a bi-state type valve with an OPEN state that allows passage of fluid through the channel 138 and a CLOSED state that prevents passage of fluid through the channel 138. In this variation, the valve 139 may include a first portion that prevents flow of fluid in a first direction and a second portion that prevents flow of fluid in a second direction, as shown in FIG. 10 c. The first portion 139 a and the second 139 b may each be of a bi-state type valve. The valve 139 of this variation may alternatively be an electrically actuated valve, such as a valve flap coupled to a memory material such as Nickel Titanium (NiTi) that may be actuated with the electrical current. The valve 139 may alternatively be activated by an electromagnetic field. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, the valve 139 of this variation may include a valve diaphragm and a valve base, both composed of an electrically conductive material. A voltage is applied to both the valve diaphragm and the valve, causing an electrostatic force to bring the valve diaphragm to the valve base (as shown in FIG. 11 b) and closing the valve. The valve 139 may also be temperature actuated, as shown in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b. For example, the valve 139 may include a expandable portion inside the channel 138 that allows fluid to pass through at low temperatures (as shown in FIG. 12 a in a cross sectional view of the channel 138) and expands at relatively high temperatures (as shown in FIG. 12 b in a cross sectional view of the channel 138) to block fluid flow. In another example, the expandable portion may prevent fluid to pass through at low temperatures and then expands at relatively high temperatures to allow fluid flow. In another example, the valve may include a plunger that is actuated by a solenoid, a magnetic field, and/or a spring to block/allow passage of fluid through the channel. The valve 139 may alternatively be a pressure actuated valve, as shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b. For example, the valve 139 may include an expandable component that is placed across the channel 138. Upon expansion of the expandable component by an increase of pressure through the expandable component, pressure is placed onto the channel 138 and the channel 138 collapses, preventing flow of fluid through the channel 138. Alternatively, the valve 139 may include a pressure component that collapses the channel 138 until a certain pressure is provided within the channel 138 to push against the pressure component, opening up the channel 138 and allowing fluid to flow through. An alternative example to a pressure actuated valve 139 may also be a manually activated valve. For example, a user may actuate the valve 139 by applying pressure to a location along the surface 115. However, any other suitable type of valve 139 for a micro fluidic channel 138 may be used.

In the variation of the valve 139 that is a bi-state valve, the valve 139 is preferably in the CLOSED state until actuated into the OPEN state by, for example, by the processor 300. Because the cavity 125 is preferably maintained in either the expanded or retracted states, once the suitable volume of fluid is contained within the cavity 125, the valve preferably defaults to a CLOSED state to prevent further fluid flow of fluid to and from the cavity 125. The CLOSED state of the valve preferably does not require additional energy, allowing the user interface system 100 to save on power consumption. However, the OPEN and CLOSED states of the valve may alternatively be of any other orientation.

The valve 139 is preferably arranged inside the channel 138 to direct flow of fluid within the channel 138, but may alternative be arranged outside of the channel 138. For example, the valve 138 may be of a ring shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the channel 138. As the valve 138 expands (for example, by material expansion from a higher temperature or increased pressure from within the ring), the ring preferably squeezes the channel 138, decreasing the diameter of the channel 138 and constricting flow. The valve 139 may also include a flow sensor to detect the volume of fluid that has passed through the valve 139 to regulate the expansion and retraction of the cavities 125 a and 125 b. The valve 139 is preferably arranged within the sheet 111, as shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 d, but may alternatively be located outside of the sheet 111, as shown in FIG. 14. However, any other suitable orientation of the valve 139 may be used.

Alternatively, the displacement device 130 may include two fluid outlets and may function to displace fluid to a first fluid outlet to a first channel 138 coupled to the first cavity 125 a and displace fluid to a second fluid outlet to a second channel 138 coupled to a second cavity 125 b. In this variation, the selective expansion of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b is a direct result of the displacement of fluid caused by the displacement device 130 and not the result of redirecting the displaced fluid. The user interface system may also include a first displacement device 130 that functions to displace fluid to the first cavity 125 a and a second displacement device 130 that functions to displace fluid to the second cavity 125 b. Alternatively, the first and second displacement devices 130 may cooperate to control the flow of fluid into one or both of the cavities 125 a and 125 b. For example, in the variation where each of the plurality of cavities 125 expands with a different volume or pressure change, the first displacement device 130 may provide the volume or pressure change necessary to expand a first cavity 125 a and the second displacement device 130 may provide the additional volume or pressure change necessary to expand a second cavity 125 b. The first and second displacement devices 130 are preferably identical, but may alternatively have different fluid displacement properties to accommodate to different relative locations of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b and/or different geometries of the first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b. However, any other suitable arrangement of displacement devices 130 and first and second cavities 125 a and 125 b may be used.

The second preferred embodiment preferably includes a processor that controls the displacement device 130 and the valve 139. The processor preferably determines if only one or both of the cavities 125 a and 125 b are to be expanded and actuates the displacement device 130 to displace the suitable volume of fluid to expand one or both of the cavities 125 a and 125 b to the desired amount as well as actuates the valve 139 to direct the fluid to the desired cavities 125 a and 125 b. In the second preferred embodiment, the volume of fluid that is displaced may be controlled by controlling the length of time that the displacement device 130 is actuated as described in the first embodiment, but may also be controlled by actuation of the valve 139 to direct fluid in any one direction. For example, in the bi-state variation of the valve 139, the fluid flow through the channel 138 may be a constant rate and the processor may actuate the valve 139 into the OPEN state for a period of time to allow the desired volume of fluid to flow through. Alternatively, the system 100 may include a flow sensor located within the cavity 125, valve 139, the channel 138, and/or the reservoir 133 that detects the increase in volume of the fluid and/or the flow of fluid into the cavity 125 to determine whether the adequate amount of flow or change in volume and/or pressure has been completed. Alternatively, the displacement device 130 may function to provide a constant pressure within the fluid network 200. Once a valve 139 is in the OPEN state, fluid may flow into the cavity 125 corresponding to the valve 139 and the overall pressure within the fluid network 200 may decrease and the displacement device 130 is then actuated to increase the pressure within the fluid network 200 to the desired pressure, filling the cavity 125. To drain fluid from an expanded cavity 125, the displacement device 130 may function to decrease the pressure within the fluid network 200 to facilitate draining of fluid from the cavity 125. However, the processor may regulate the volume of fluid that is displaced into the cavities 125 a and 125 b with any other suitable method. Regulating the amount of flow or change in volume and/or pressure provided by the displacement device 130 may prevent or help decrease the over-expansion or over-retraction of the cavities 125. This regulation also allows for the possibility of varying degrees of expansion or retraction of individual cavities 125, for example, a half expanded state and a fully expanded state, depending on the type of user interface scenario.

3. Third Preferred Embodiment: Selective Expansion of Groups

In the third preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14-15, a first group of cavities 125 and a second group of cavities 125 are selectively expanded. Similar to the second preferred embodiment, the displacement device 130 of the third preferred embodiment preferably expands the first and second groups of cavities 125 in two modes: a first mode where only one of the first and second groups of cavities 125 is expanded, and a second mode where both of the first and second groups of cavities 125 are expanded. Alternatively, the displacement device 130 may expand only one of the first and second groups 125 at any one time. Each group of cavities 125 are preferably arranged as described in the first preferred embodiment and preferably functions to provide a particular interface for the user and preferably includes a number of cavities 125 suitable for the application, for example, a number dial pad or a QWERTY keyboard. The groups of cavities 125 may be placed adjacent to one another (for example, a QWERTY keyboard group adjacent to a number dial pad group, as shown in FIG. 15 a) and/or interspersed with one another (for example, the QWERTY keyboard group is interleaved with the number pad group, as shown in FIG. 15 b). In this variation, the branches of the channel 138 that couple each of the cavities 125 to the displacement device 130 may be arranged along different height levels within the sheet 111, as shown in FIG. 16. This may allow for the branches of the channel 138 to be arranged within a sheet in with a surface 115 of a lower surface area and/or allow each of the plurality of cavities 125 to be placed in closer proximity to each other. The branches of the channel 138 may be arranged in one of a variety of arrangements. In a first example, the branches coupling the cavities of the first group of cavities 125 to the displacement device 130 may be placed along a first height level within the sheet 111 and the branches coupling the cavities of the second group of cavities 125 to the displacement device 130 may be placed along another height level within the sheet 111. In a second example, the branches leading to each cavity 125 within one group of cavities 125 may be arranged on different height levels within the sheet 111. In a third example, the branches coupling a first subset of the cavities within a group of cavities 125 to the displacement device 130 may be arranged on a first height level within the sheet 111 and the branches coupling a second subset of the cavities within the group of cavities 125 to the displacement device 130 may be arranged on another height level within the sheet 111. The branches of the channel 138 may be arranged in any suitable combination of the above examples. However, any other suitable arrangement of the channel 138 within the sheet 111 may be used.

As shown in FIG. 14, similar to the second preferred embodiment, the third preferred embodiment includes a channel 138 that couples a first group of cavities 125 and a second group of cavities 125 to the displacement device 130. The first and second groups of cavities 125 are preferably not directly connected to each other. The channel 138 preferably forms a T-junction between the displacement device 130 and the two groups of cavities 125, and the channel preferably includes a valve 139 at the T-junction to direct fluid displaced by the displacement device 130 to one or both of the groups of cavities 125. However, the channel 138 may be of any other suitable orientation. The valve 139 is preferably of the type described above in the second preferred embodiment. In a variation where one cavity 125 may belong to more than one group of cavities 125, for example, as shown in FIG. 17 where a first group of cavities 125 that correlate to a landscape QWERTY keyboard and a second group of cavities 125 that correlate to a portrait QWERTY cavity 125 group share cavities 125. The shared cavities 125 may be thought of as a third group of cavities 125 that cooperates with the first group of cavities 125 to correlate to a landscape QWERTY keyboard and cooperates with the second group of cavities 125 to correlate to a portrait QWERTY keyboard. In this variation, each of the shared cavities 125 may be coupled to more than one channel 138, as shown in FIG. 18. This allows expansion of each shared cavity 125 when any of the displacement devices 130 pertaining to each of the groups to which the cavity 125 belongs is activated. To regulate the expansion of the cavity 125, the cavity 125 may include a valve of a type described above for valve 139 that prevents fluid from a first channel 138 belonging to a first group to flow through the cavity 125 to a second channel 138 belonging to a second group. The valve may also be used to prevent fluid from more than one channel 138 to expand the cavity 125, which may potentially cause the over-expansion of the cavity 125. However, any other suitable arrangement of a cavity 125 that may belong to more than one group may be used.

Similar to the second preferred embodiment, the third preferred embodiment preferably includes a processor that controls the displacement device 130 and the valve 139. The processor preferably regulates the volume of fluid that is displaced by the displacement device 130 and/or the volume of fluid that enters and exits the cavities 125 to expand and retracts the cavities 125 to prevent over expansion and over retraction. The processor preferably also determines if one (and which one) or both of the groups of cavities 125 is to be expanded. If the number of cavities within the first group of cavities 125 is different from the number of cavities within the second group of cavities 125, the processor preferably regulates the volume of fluid that is displaced by the displacement device 130 to accommodate for the difference in volume of fluid necessary to expand each group of cavities 125. In all other respects, the processor of the third preferred embodiments is preferably similar or identical to the processor of the second preferred embodiment.

4. Fourth Preferred Embodiment: Concurrent and Selective Expansion of Cavities

In a fourth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19 a-19 d, the displacement device 130 preferably expands a first cavity 125 a and one of a second cavity 125 b and third cavity 125 c at one time. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the first cavity 125 a is expanded concurrently with the expansion of any one of the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c. Similar to the second preferred embodiment, the displacement device 130 of the fourth preferred embodiment preferably expands the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c in two modes: a first mode where only one of the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c is expanded, and a second mode where both of the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c are expanded. Alternatively, the displacement device 130 may expand only one of the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c at any one time. A variation of the fourth preferred embodiment may be similar to the third preferred embodiment. In this variation, the displacement device 130 may function to expand a first group of cavities 125 and one of a second group of cavities 125 and a third group of cavities 125 at one time. This variation may be applied to the variation of the user interface system 100 including cavities 125 that are shared between two groups of cavities 125, as shown in the landscape and portrait QWERTY example in FIG. 17 and described in the third preferred embodiment. The first group of cavities 125 preferably function as the shared cavities 125 that expanded whenever either one of the landscape QWERTY group or the portrait QWERTY group are to be expanded, and the second group of cavities 125 preferably functions as the non-shared QWERTY keys in the landscape QWERTY group and the third group of cavities 125 preferably functions as the non-shared QWERTY keys in the portrait QWERTY group. However, the fourth preferred embodiment may be applied to any other suitable arrangement.

As shown in FIGS. 19 a-19 d, similar to the first preferred embodiment, the fourth preferred embodiment includes a channel 138 that couples the first cavity 125 a to the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c. Similar to the second preferred embodiment, the channel 138 preferably does not directly connect the second cavity 125 b to the third cavity 125 c, preferably forms a T-junction between the displacement device 130 and the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c, and preferably includes a valve 139 that directs fluid flow displaced by the displacement device 130 to one of or both of the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c. However, the channel 138 may be of any other suitable orientation. The valve 139 is preferably of the type described above in the second preferred embodiment. Because the fluid flow to either one of the second or third cavities 125 b and 125 c passes through a valve 139 while fluid flow to the first cavity 125 a does not, the valve 139 is preferably of a type that does not increase the pressure required to expand the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c. For example, the valve 139 is preferably not actuated by the pressure of the fluid flow within the channel 138. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c may be of different geometries from the first cavity 125 a to maintain substantially similar expansion start times and/or the size of the channel 138 leading to the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c may be increased in size (in diameter and/or cross sectional area) to decrease the pressure necessary for fluid to travel through the channel 138. However, any other geometry or method of allowing both the first cavity 125 a and one of or both of the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c to start expansion substantially at the same time and at the same rate may be used. The first cavity 125 a and one of or both of the and second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c may also be allowed to start expansion at different times.

Similar to the second preferred embodiment, the fourth preferred embodiment preferably includes a processor that controls the displacement device 130 and the valve 139. The processor preferably regulates the volume of fluid that is displaced by the displacement device 130 and/or the volume of fluid that enters and exits the cavities 125 to expand and retracts the cavities 125 to prevent over expansion and over retraction. The processor preferably also determines if one (and which one) or both of the second and third cavities 125 b and 125 c is to be expanded. In the variation of the fourth preferred embodiment where the displacement device 130 functions to expand a first group of cavities 125 and one of a second and third group of cavities 125, if the number of cavities within the second group of cavities 125 is different from the number of cavities within the third group of cavities 125, the processor preferably regulates the volume of fluid that is displaced by the displacement device 130 to accommodate for the difference in volume of fluid necessary to expand each group of cavities 125. In all other respects, the processor of the fourth preferred embodiments is preferably similar or identical to the processor of the second preferred embodiment.

The user interface system may include a plurality of displacement devices 130 and/or a plurality of valves 139. All of the cavities 125 of the plurality of cavities 125 are preferably arranged within one fluid network 200, but may alternatively be arranged in more than one fluid network 200. The displacement device 130 and/or valves 139 are preferably also arranged within one fluid network 200 and are preferably controlled by one processor, but may alternatively be arranged in more than one fluid network 200 and may be controlled by more than one processor. However, the plurality of cavities 125, displacement device 130, and valves 139 may be arranged in any other suitable arrangement.

While omitted for conciseness, the invention includes every possible permutation and combination of the various elements described above.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention defined in the following claims. 

1. A user interface system comprising: a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer tactile surface, and including an undeformable region and a plurality of deformable regions, wherein each deformable region is of an elastic material and is operable between: a retracted state, wherein the deformable region is flush with the undeformable region; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable region is proud of the undeformable region; a substrate joined to a portion of the back surface of the undeformable region and retaining the undeformable region in planar form; wherein the substrate defines a plurality of support surfaces, wherein each support surface is adjacent to a corresponding deformable region, is disconnected from the deformable region, is in contact with the deformable region in the retracted state, and prevents deformation of the deformable region inward past the plane of the undeformable region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; wherein the substrate defines a plurality of fluid conduits, wherein each fluid conduit communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of a corresponding deformable region; wherein the substrate further defines a fluid network fluidly coupled to a portion of the fluid conduits; a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid network, toward the back surface of a portion of the deformable regions, to transition the portion of deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state; and a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect a user touch proximate to a deformable region.
 2. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein the substrate further defines a plurality of cavities, each cavity arranged proximal to the support surface and opposite the tactile layer, a portion of the cavities communicating fluid between the fluid network and a portion of the fluid conduits.
 3. The user interface system of claim 2, wherein the fluid network comprises a fluid channel that fluidly couples a first cavity to a second.
 4. The user interface system of claim 2, wherein the fluid network comprises a first fluid branch that communicates a portion of the fluid from the displacement device to a first group of cavities, and wherein the fluid network comprises a second fluid branch that communicates a portion of the fluid from the displacement device to a second group of cavities.
 5. The user interface system of claim 4, wherein the first fluid branch is arranged at a first height level within the substrate and the second fluid branch is arranged at second height level within the substrate.
 6. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein a first deformable region and a second deformable region, of the plurality of deformable regions, are of different elasticities.
 7. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein a first deformable region and a second deformable region, of the plurality of deformable regions, are of different geometries.
 8. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein the first and second deformable regions are adjacent and the tactile layer defines a substantially continuous outer tactile surface across the first and second deformable regions.
 9. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a second displacement device coupled to the fluid network and configured to cooperate with the displacement device to manipulate a portion of the fluid, within the fluid network, to concurrently transition a portion of the deformable regions to the expanded state.
 10. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein the displacement device displaces a portion of the fluid within the fluid network to selectively transition a single deformable region to the expanded state.
 11. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a valve coupled to the fluid network and configured to selectively direct a portion of the fluid through a portion of the fluid network.
 12. The user interface system of claim 11, wherein the valve is configured to direct a portion of the fluid in a mode selected from the group consisting of: directing fluid toward one of a first deformable region and a second deformable region; and directing fluid toward both the first and the second deformable regions.
 13. The user interface system of claim 11, wherein the valve is a bi-state valve with an OPEN state and a CLOSED state, wherein the valve, in the OPEN state, permits the fluid to pass through the valve, and wherein the valve, in the CLOSED state, prevents fluid from passing through the valve.
 14. The user interface system of claim 11, wherein the valve is located substantially remote from the deformable regions.
 15. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of valves, less than the plurality of deformable regions, configured to direct a portion of the fluid through the fluid network to selectively transition a portion of the deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state.
 16. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein a first group of deformable regions correspond to the letters of a QWERTY keyboard, and wherein a second group of deformable regions correlate to the numbers of a 0 through 9 of a numeric keypad.
 17. The user interface system of claim 16, wherein a third group of deformable regions cooperates with the first group of deformable regions to correspond to the letters of a landscape QWERTY keyboard, and wherein the third group of deformable regions cooperates with the second group of deformable regions to correlate to the letters of a portrait QWERTY keyboard.
 18. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a processor configured to control the displacement device.
 19. The user interface system of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to interpret a touch on the outer tactile surface as a first input type when a deformable region is in the retracted state and a second input type when the deformable region is in the expanded state.
 20. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a display coupled to the substrate and configured to visually output a plurality of images to the user.
 21. The user interface system of claim 20, wherein the display and the touch sensor are physically coextensive.
 22. The user interface system of claim 20, wherein a portion of the images are of input keys and the display is configured to visually output the portion of images that are substantially aligned with a portion of the deformable regions.
 23. The user interface system of claim 20, wherein the tactile layer, the substrate, the fluid, and the touch sensor cooperate to transmit the plurality of images from the display to the user.
 24. The user interface system of claim 23, wherein tactile layer, the substrate, and the fluid have substantially similar refractive indices.
 25. A user interface system comprising: a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer tactile surface, and including an undeformable region and a plurality of deformable regions, wherein each deformable region is of an elastic material and is operable between: a retracted state, wherein the deformable region is flush with the undeformable region; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable region is proud of the undeformable region; a substrate joined to a portion of the back surface of the undeformable region and retaining the undeformable region in planar form; wherein the substrate defines a plurality of support surfaces, wherein each support surface is adjacent to a corresponding deformable region, is disconnected from the deformable region, is in contact with the deformable region in the retracted state, and prevents deformation of the deformable region inward past the plane of the undeformable region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; wherein the substrate defines a plurality of fluid conduits, wherein each fluid conduit communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of a corresponding deformable region; wherein the substrate further defines a fluid network fluidly coupled to a portion of the fluid conduits; a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid network, toward the back surface of a portion of the deformable regions, to transition the portion of deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state; a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect a user touch proximate to a deformable region; a display coupled to the substrate and configured to visually output an image through the tactile layer to the user, the image being of an input key substantially aligned with a deformable region; and a processor coupled to the touch sensor and configured to interpret a touch on the outer tactile surface as: a first input type when a deformable region is in the retracted state; and a second input type when the deformable region is in the expanded state.
 26. The user interface system of claim 25, wherein the fluid network comprises a first fluid branch that communicates a portion of the fluid from the displacement device to a first group of fluid conduits, and wherein the fluid network comprises a second fluid branch that communicates a portion of the fluid from the displacement device to a second group of fluid conduits.
 27. The user interface system of claim 26, wherein the first fluid branch is arranged at a first height level within the substrate and the second fluid branch is arranged at second height level within the substrate.
 28. An electronic system comprising: an electronic device selected from the group consisting of an automotive console, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a television, a radio, a desk phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a personal navigation device, a personal media player, a camera, and a watch; and a user interface system, for the electronic device, including a volume of fluid; a tactile layer defining an outer tactile surface touchable by a user, defining a back surface opposite the outer tactile surface, and including an undeformable region and a plurality of deformable regions, wherein each deformable region is of an elastic material and is operable between a retracted state, wherein the deformable region is flush with the undeformable region; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable region is proud of the undeformable region; a substrate joined to a portion of the back surface of the undeformable region and retaining the undeformable region in planar form; wherein the substrate defines a plurality of support surfaces, wherein each support surface is adjacent to a corresponding deformable region, is disconnected from the deformable region, is in contact with the deformable region in the retracted state, and prevents deformation of the deformable region inward past the plane of the undeformable region due to a force applied to the outer tactile surface by the user; wherein the substrate defines a plurality of fluid conduits, wherein each fluid conduit communicates a portion of the fluid, through a portion of the substrate, to the back surface of a corresponding deformable region; wherein the substrate further defines a fluid network fluidly coupled to a portion of the fluid conduits; a displacement device configured to manipulate a portion of the fluid, through the fluid network, toward the back surface of a portion of the deformable regions, to transition the portion of deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state; and a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect a user touch proximate to a deformable region. 